Firmiana colorata (Colored Sterculia)
Botanical names: Firmiana colorata, Sterculia colorata
Common names: Colored Sterculia, Bonfire tree, Scarlet Sterculia, Iwil-iwil, Indian Almond
Family: Malvaceae
Subfamily: Sterculioideae
Origin: India, Thailand
Firmiana colorata, or Scarlet Sterculia, is a deciduous, small to medium-sized tree native to India and Thailand. It prefers organically-rich, sandy soil with plenty of moisture. This tree produces red flowers that hang down from the ends of its branches in short and dense panicles. The flowers are covered in a fine, downy hair, giving them a soft, velvety look. During its flowering period, Firmiana colorata presents a spectacular sight with its orange-red flowers against its leafless state.
Growing between 10-20 feet tall, its hardy to zone 10. This tree requires full sun and organically-rich, sandy loam soil with plenty of moisture, yet it does not handle overwatering well.
When in bloom, Firmiana colorata produces red and crimson flowers with a glossy, vinous hue. These flowers hang down from the ends of the tree's branches in short, dense panicles. They are covered in a fine downy hair, giving them a soft, velvety look. This flower is especially attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a popular choice for gardeners.
Young trees are often grown from a bulb or caudex and can even be grown as a bonsai plant. When planted in the ground, this tree grows into a large tree. During winter it often loses its leaves, and goes dormant. When flowering, it can be a stunning sight with its orange-red flowers against its bare branches.
Similar plants: Firmiana colorata (Colored Sterculia)
- Firmiana simplex (Chinese Parasol Tree)
- Brachychiton australis (Broad Leaved Bottletree)
- Pterygota alata (Buddha Coconut )
- Sterculia apetala (Bellota)
- Sterculia appendiculata (Mgude)
- Sterculia ceramica (Lanyu Sterculia)
- Sterculia coccinea (Shrub Sterculia)
- Sterculia foetida (Peon)
- Sterculia lanceifolia (Lanceleaf Sterculia)
- Sterculia lanceolata (Lanceleaf Sterculia)
